At Achill Beg. [i.e. Achillbeg] Co. Mayo

At Achill Beg. [i.e. Achillbeg] Co. Mayo

[graphic]
Bibliographic Details
Main Creator: French, Robert, 1841-1917 photographer
Contributors: Lawrence, William, 1840-1932
In collection: The Lawrence Photograph Collection
Format: Photo
Published / Created: [between 1880-1900].
Subjects:
Drowning victims > Ireland > 1880-1900.
Islands > Ireland > 1880-1900.
Mayo (Ireland : County) > 1880-1900.
Achillbeg Island (Ireland) > 1880-1900.
Glass negatives > 1880-1900.
Notes:This monument was erected in the memory of 32 young people who drowned in Clew Bay in 1894. It was common for the inhabitants of the island to participate in migratory labour in order to supplement their families income. The labourers who went to Scotland to pick potatoes were known as 'tattie hokers'. The group were on the way to meet a steamer at Westport to take them to Scotland for the potato harvest when the hooker (small boat) overturned. Their bodies were brought home on the first train that arrived in Achill, this fulfilled Brian Rua O'Cearbhains prophesy that "carts on iron wheels" would carry bodies into Achill on their first and last journey. Ironically the last train into Achill station broughthome the remains of Irish potatoes pickers who died in a fire in their accommodation in Kirkintilloch, Scotland in 1937.

Robert French was the chief photographer responsible for photographing three quarters of the Lawrence Collection. For more information, see the Dictionary of Irish Biography: http://dib.cambridge.org/viewReadPage.do?articleId=a3369

Physical description: 1 negative : glass ; 17 x 22 cm.

Geographic Coverage: Achill Island, County Mayo, Province of Connacht, Ireland.

Caption on glassplate reads: At Achill Beg. Co. Mayo. 5105. W. L.

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As a digital copy of this item is available, the original will not be issued.
Call Number View In Collection
L_ROY_05105
NPA Reading Room - Appt. only
Photos
Reproduction rights owned by National Library of Ireland

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